Mike Tyson knows how to throw a punch that mints money. The American fighter has developed a keen eye for exciting and rewarding business ventures, which also tick off the checkbox of not-s0-mainstream projects. But he has done it before with Tyson 2.0, and he wants to do it again with Mr. Charlie’s, a vegan fast-food restaurant chain. But how did he zero in on it? It has something to do with his personal life.

Tyson, 58, has diversified his revenue source and made some smart money-related decisions. His Hotboxin podcast, exhibition fights, and endorsements helped him rack up enough cash to keep his pockets full. So, it’s no wonder when the opportunity to invest in the world’s first out-of-its-kind plant-based fast-food chain arose, he jumped in with both hands. That’s not all. It resonates with his values, too.

‘Iron Mike’ has adopted a vegan diet at various points in his life, especially after he hung up boxing gloves and wanted to turn a new corner. So, when he appeared on The Stephen A. Smith Show, the eponymous host asked him, “What got you involved in a quick-service plant-based food company? [Are] you eating some of that stuff to train for this fight?”

Tyson, at 50-6, admitted his firm belief in veganism and its associated benefits. He said, “Absolutely. I’m just a strong believer in self-awareness and taking care of yourself. What people put in their body is what they are.” However, he quit the vegan diet in 2020, after strictly following it for a decade ahead of his exhibition fight with Roy Jones Jr. Why did the former world champion quit something that reaped results for him for this long?

What made Mike Tyson give up a vegan diet?

Tyson had to prepare his body for a grueling affair, as he had to make his return to the boxing ring after almost 15 years. The Brooklyn native wanted to train and mold his body in a certain way. Therefore, he had to switch back to a meat-based diet. He told Joe Rogan, “I stopped [eating vegan food] because of the training and because of what I wanted my body to look like and the strength that I wanted to possess.”

But the two-time world champion always appreciated the vegan lifestyle and continues to hold it in high regard, despite his current inability to adhere to it. Hence, his investment in Mr. Charlie’s holds emotional value for him, along with a well-thought-out and planned strategic step. It would allow the fast-food chain to open new locations overseas and expand in the United States.

What do you make of these comments by Mike Tyson? Do you think it’s a smart investment by him? Let us know in the comments below.